§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the danger to rail travellers of the increased number of cases of broken rails since 1994–95; and what action he plans to take. [951731]
§ Mr. HillBroken rails result from a range of causes including rail age, increased traffic density and particular additional freight carriage. The general upward trend in the number of broken rails demonstrates that infrastructure maintenance, inspection and track replacement efforts must be increased. HSE's Railway Inspectorate (HMRI) has recently ordered Railtrack to define an urgent action plan to improve track maintenance and inspection to significantly reduce the number of broken rails across the network. Extreme damage to rails could potentially lead to train derailment and HMRI take 675W a strong enforcement action where there could be a safety risk. For example, a prohibition was placed on the use of the Severn Tunnel earlier this year until suitable repairs were carried out.